Earth Day is one of those easy media events that allows news outlets to acknowledge the need for environmental concerns and action. But many get off the hook by simply telling readers and viewers what they can do in their small world, not take on the big international polluters that are the real offenders.

A Google News search found more than 500 media references and stories on Earth Day, which turns 40 this year, another media boost. But most dealt with telling the public about energy-saving lightbulbs and the like.

From The Seattle Times urging readers to pick up litter and increase recycling to the Springfield (Mo.) Business Journal highlighting local businesses and their Earth Day events.

But the real stories need to look at the overall impact on our environment and health and take the big corporations, big polluters and big governments to task for failing to truly crack down on many of these problems. They also must make clear that the truth about global warming is out there and not just repeat attacks and false myths that often crop up.

One good example is a Washington Post story that offers the history of Earth Day, but also the struggles that remain as the environmental movement seeks to move ahead against greater opposition than ever. The story also includes a great video.